Kerala History and Studies Journal follows a transparent approach to publication charges. Authors should review the applicable Article Processing Charges (APC) before submitting a manuscript and should take note of the distinction between editorial evaluation and publication charges.
1. Article Processing Charge
An Article Processing Charge is a fee that may be payable for the processing and publication of an article after the manuscript has completed the journal's editorial and peer-review process and has been accepted for publication.
The applicable APC, where charged, is communicated to authors through the journal's official publication information.
2. No Charge for Editorial Evaluation
Payment of an APC does not determine whether a manuscript will be accepted for publication.
Editorial decisions are based on the manuscript's academic suitability, quality, originality and compliance with the journal's requirements.
3. Peer Review and Publication Decisions
A manuscript must first satisfy the journal's editorial requirements and, where applicable, complete the peer-review process before an article is considered for publication.
An author should not interpret an APC as a guarantee of acceptance or publication.
4. When the APC Becomes Payable
Where an APC applies, payment is requested only after the relevant manuscript has received an editorial decision of acceptance for publication.
Authors should not make payment to individuals or organisations claiming to represent the journal unless the payment request can be verified through the journal's official communication channels.
5. APC and Article Quality
Payment of an Article Processing Charge does not influence the scholarly assessment of a manuscript.
Editorial and peer-review decisions remain separate from the financial arrangements associated with publication.
6. No Guarantee of Acceptance
Submission of a manuscript does not create an obligation on the part of the journal to accept or publish the work.
An APC, where applicable, is a publication-related charge and should not be understood as a fee for obtaining acceptance.
7. Waivers and Reductions
Any waiver, reduction or exemption from an applicable APC is subject to the journal's stated arrangements and eligibility requirements.
Where a waiver or reduction programme is available, the relevant conditions should be confirmed with the editorial office before payment is made.
8. Institutional or Funding Support
Authors may use institutional, research grant or other legitimate funding sources to meet an applicable publication charge, subject to the rules of the relevant funding body or institution.
Authors should disclose relevant funding information in accordance with the journal's author and publication requirements.
9. Refunds
Any request for a refund of an APC should be submitted to the editorial office with details of the payment and the reason for the request.
Refund requests will be considered according to the circumstances of the case and the journal's applicable financial arrangements.
10. Rejection After Submission
Submission of a manuscript does not create an obligation to pay an APC where no publication has taken place and no applicable publication charge has been agreed.
Authors should refer to the payment information supplied by the journal for any specific financial arrangement.
11. Withdrawal of a Manuscript
Authors who wish to withdraw a manuscript should contact the editorial office as soon as possible.
If an APC has already been paid, any refund or other financial consequence will depend on the stage of processing and the applicable arrangements.
12. Transparency of Charges
The journal seeks to communicate publication charges clearly so that authors can understand any financial obligations associated with publication.
Authors should rely only on the journal's official website and official editorial communications for current information about charges.
13. No Influence on Editorial Decisions
Financial considerations should not determine the academic assessment of a manuscript.
Editorial decisions are made independently of whether an author is able to pay an APC.
14. Changes to APC Information
Publication charges may be revised when the journal's financial or publication arrangements change.
Authors should consult the current APC information before submitting or making payment for a manuscript.
15. Payment Security
Authors should verify the recipient, payment details and purpose of any publication payment before completing a transaction.
If payment instructions appear inconsistent with information published on the journal website, authors should contact the editorial office for verification.
16. Questions About APC
Authors who require clarification regarding publication charges, waivers, reductions, refunds or payment procedures may contact the editorial office.
Please include the manuscript title and, where applicable, the manuscript reference number in correspondence concerning an APC.